MIAMI — Jackson Memorial Hospital kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness month on Oct. 1 with a snip of a pink ribbon, dedicating the remodeled Roberta Orlen Chaplin Digital Breast Imaging Center at the Taylor Breast Health Center.
The center has been credited with helping countless breast patients, many of them uninsured, to get treatment for breast cancer.
The upgraded facility is totally digital, providing physicians with easier and faster access to images, officials said, and has also been renovated with more comfortable features for patients, thanks to the support of philanthropists Harvey and Roberta Chaplin.
The center also is upgrading two digital mammogram units to incorporate 3-D technology.
“The Chaplins have been far more than just patrons in the fight against breast cancer — they have been activists, ambassadors and champions,” said Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, during the grand re-opening celebration. “On behalf of our doctors, nurses and especially our patients, we thank you.”
The celebration was attended by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson, breast cancer survivors, nurses and physicians, the Public Health Trust Chairman Darryl K. Sharpton, Jackson executives and officers of the board of the Jackson Memorial Foundation.
“Only here at Jackson can we deliver the cutting-edge care made possible by the Chaplins’ generous gift,” said Sharpton. “We promise that high level of care to everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Breast cancer survivor Rosa Arias Yapur, 34, credits the breast center at Jackson Memorial for saving her life. The first time she shared her story during the ceremony, with her husband and daughter by her side.
Yapur said that three months after having her first child, she noticed blood streaming from one of her nipples. She then discovered a lump on her left breast and had a feeling something was terribly wrong.
“When I came to Jackson, they discovered I had stage three breast cancer,” she said. “Thanks to all the doctors and staff at Jackson, I was able to get a mastectomy and treatment. Now I am cancer-free. I thank God for the Jackson Memorial breast center and its staff.”
During October, officials said, mammogram screenings and free beauty makeovers also are being offered at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jackson South Community Hospital and Jackson North Medical Center to help women win the battle with breast cancer.
Reservations are required for a limited number of mammograms for women age 40 and older. Most insurance plans are
accepted. For the uninsured, the cost is only $25 for those who qualify. Dates, locations and RSVP numbers:
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 4 – 7 p.m.
Jackson South Community Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center 9333 S.W. 152nd St., Miami 305-256-5245
Thursday, Oct. 17, 4 – 7 p.m.
Jackson Memorial Hospital Taylor Breast Health Center/Roberta Orlen Chaplin Digital Breast Imaging Center 1080 N.W. 19th St., Miami 305-585-5942
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 – 7 p.m.
Jackson North Medical Center Center for Women’s Imaging 160 N.W. 170th St. North Miami Beach 305-654-5040
During October, officials said, Jackson South Community Hospital will “Go Pink” to commemorate the month: The entire corridor walkway, from the parking lot to the hospital’s front entrance will be lit with pink lights at night.
At Jackson North Medical Center, pink banners will adorn the light poles throughout the facility’s parking lot in October to remind visitors about the importance of breast cancer awareness.
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